Dumba ready for any role with Canada

Mathew Dumba is many different things to many different people. The Calgary, AB. native is a leader with the Red Deer Rebels. He’s a top prospect for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

But Dumba doesn’t care what he is to Hockey Canada, as long as he can participate.

“I’ll be a cheerleader, it doesn’t matter,” Dumba said, the youngest player participating in Canada’s selection camp for the 2012 World Junior Championship. “I’ll fill the water bottles.”

Dumba is willing to take any role head coach Don Hay may have for him in order to earn his chance to help Canada earn gold at the tournament for the first time since 2009.

“I’d do anything they tell me to make this team,” Dumba said. “Whatever they want me to do I’ll do it.”

That might be playing just 10 minutes a night, a far cry from the 30 he’s used to earning under Jesse Wallin’s Rebels. More time on the bench doesn’t intimidate the 17-year-old who many consider as a top-5 pick for June’s draft.

“You’ve just got to be alert on the bench, be talking to the guys,” Dumba said. “Communication is key out there even if you’re on the bench. It doesn’t matter how many minutes I’ll play. When I’m on the ice I’m going to work as hard as I can and competing as hard as I can.”

Perhaps the biggest thing going for Dumba in Canada’s camp is what he’s willing to be.